want to run a marathon?

This blog post was written by Whitney and posted on April 2, 2010 at 4:12 pm

We come across dozens of guests in our fit rooms dying to run a marathon, but fear of the unknown tends to hold them back. In those fit rooms we happily goal coach your way into your first race, while we help you find the perfect outfit that accommodates your running needs. Later on, you might even find us on race day cheering you on to your first 26.2. But when it comes to how to train for your first marathon, we call on the best experts we know, our ambassadors.

The lululemon 80s dance cheer crew at the LA Marathon!

This time we've called on January Newland, an ambassador from our La Jolla store, who has ran 7 marathons, and teaches people to train for marathon races by cross training with yoga and bootcamp. Here is a training guide from January and our educators, filled with tips on what to wear, how to train efficiently, and how and why to cross train with yoga.

marathon training gear

The gear you wear for training and running a marathon is personal. Every runner that has visited our fitrooms, regardless of level of experience, has a few personal “musts” when choosing their gear. Whether you only run in shorts or running tights, tank tops, or shirts, just be sure of a few details in all of your gear: moisture wicking, seamless, and comfortable. If you plan on running 15 miles, you do not want to chafe from seams or a top that cuts into your shoulder because it is too tight.

Look for seamless tops, bottoms and socks, moisture wicking, pockets, and good shoes!

Zach and Hollis both work in our La Jolla store, and are both training for a half marathon in April, and Hollis will be running her first marathon in May! These are their favourite things to train in:

Compression Knee High Socks - Loves the support in circulation and warmth of her legs as she does prefer to run in shorts.

january’s running tips

January is truly a wealth of knowledge when it comes to how and when to run. She teaches runners to take it step by step, after all you had to crawl before you could walk, and you can run a marathon. These are her most important tips:

January working with Gillian on her stride and posture

Mileage- Your body has to get used to running for a long time. Though you physically may be able to complete 26.2 miles, you can really do some damage to yourself without allowing your body to be conditioned to long distance.

Schedule- The biggest mistake runners make is not scheduling a consistent running times. January recommends keeping a calendar of your runs, complete with mileage. Hal Higdon provides a great complimentary training guide for all levels.

Shoes- Good shoes are just as important as your breath. Head into a running store that will watch how you step and run, and will be able to recommend the best shoes for your stride.

Posture & Core- Keep your joints stacked from head to toe, and keep your core tight. All of your power comes from your core, especially when running, so keep it aligned and strong.

Arm Swing- The more relaxed and efficient your arms are, the more relaxed and efficient your run will be. Keep your shoulders relaxed on down your back, and soften your hands so that you are not holding a fist and expelling energy. Keep your arms at 90 degrees, and glide them long and close to your core.

january's yoga tips

Yoga is a wonderful mental and physical preparation for any type of running. First and foremost, yoga teaches you how to control your breathing, and you will need to breathe at mile 6. It will elongate the compact and short muscles you will form from running long distance. If you truly commit to your practice, you will learn a mental clarity and focus crucial for conquering tasks as daunting as running 26.2 miles. These are January’s favourite yoga poses for runners.

Downward Facing Dog (pedal out your dog):

Wonderful stretch for warming up, and pedaling your dog by releasing one heel down, and then the other lends itself as a great calf stretch.

Runner's Lunge:

Great for your hamstrings and hips, you might not be able to make it all the way down to your elbows, but event with your chest high you will feel the benefits of this pose.

Half Splits:

Your hamstrings never hurt so good, than in this pose.

Skandasana (side lunge):

Great inner thigh, and lateral muscle stretch.

Prasarita Padottanasana (wide legged forward bend):

This pose will help to stretch and strengthen the inner and the back legs.

sign up for your race, and come stretch your sore muscles with us!

Now that you have your tips on what to wear and how to train, we invite you to join us for yoga! Every one of our locations hosts a weekly complimentary all-levels yoga class with the best instructors in your area. This is a great place to start if you've never practiced yoga, or if you are looking to take you practice to the next level.

After class we'd love to hear about your marathon training and what kind of racing station you'd love at your race. You never know who will be there passing out bananas at mile 22.

in terms of equipment, I rock the Run Response Shorts and the Metal Vent Tech shirt, it’s pretty sick. It’s got the Silverescent fibre running through it. The non stink goodness is pretty awesome and I love the shorts (not just plain black like most, mine are blue with some pretty sweet designs on them.)

I’m thinking you guys should start making running shoes Or at least start with some footwear for yoga (to promote stability, alignment, balance and whatnot)

I’m also a Marathon Coach and lulu Ambassador from the Masonville store. I strongly believe in linking a consistent running training schedule with a regular yoga practice. I started doing yoga after my 3rd marathon and was struggling to keep up with the guys twice my age. Four months after starting yoga, I took over 30 minutes off my marathon time. Five years later and I have finished 30 marathons with 2010 being my busiest year yet with about 17 marathons/ultras planned.

Thank you for these quick tips and best yoga moves for runners. I am currently training for the NYC Marathon (my first marathon ever). I am very excited and nervous! Additionally, this post has motivated me not only for the marathon but to keep up my yoga practice. Thank you! (I will be running NYC 2010 for Team Autism Speaks – woo hoo)

Nice! Love the photos with supporters with banana :).
I ran two Marathons and hoping to run more. Nothing is scarey as long as you train enough and properly. For a first time Marathoner, one should not pressure oneself to finish a certain time, but just finish the race, enjoy the long run and have fun! Good luck to all who is doing a Marathon this year!

As a marathon coach, 20-year running veteran, 7-time marathon finisher, personal trainer and student working towards my doctorate in physical therapy, I happily endorse the idea of cross-training running with yoga. It has helped to keep me injury-free and strong all year long.

I love the cool racerback for long runs (but really, all my workouts!). Great coverage, keeps me cool in the NYC Summers and the colors are so fun!

See you all at the Marine Corps Marathon and NYC Marathon in the Fall. I’d love a Gummy Bear/Starburst stop at mile 22–bananas are hard to choke down at that point. Keep up the good work, Lululemon!

I have looked at many sites and have not come across one such as yours, which tells everyone everything they need to know.I have added you to my bookmarks. Can anyone suggest other related topics that I can search for to find out more information?